What It Really Takes to Build a Business and a Life: A Conversation with Isaac Edwards

In this episode of the We Love Deck Builders podcast, April Edwards, founder of Deck Builder Marketers, had a unique guest—her husband, Isaac Edwards. Together, they discussed the highs and lows of running a business while raising a family, and how the balance between work and personal life is crucial to long-term success.

While vacationing in Laguna Beach, the couple opened up about their entrepreneurial journey and what it really takes to build a business that not only supports their family but also leaves room for personal growth and quality time. Here’s what they had to say.

The Importance of Balance in Business and Family Life

Isaac, who has been by April’s side throughout her entrepreneurial journey, shared that finding balance is one of the hardest, yet most important parts of running a business. With two kids, multiple business ventures, and a packed schedule, the couple knows firsthand how easy it is to let work take over.

“For a long time, my kids would come into the office while I was on meetings, and it would grow so frustrating,” Isaac reflected. “But as you get older, you learn to step back and let things work themselves out a little more. You have to trust the people around you and empower them to manage their roles.”

This concept of letting go has been a vital part of April’s journey as well. In the beginning, she tried to handle everything herself, believing she could do it all better than anyone else. But as the business grew, she realized that delegation was key to growth, both in business and at home.

The Power of Delegation and Trust

One of the most powerful insights from the conversation was about letting go of control and allowing others to step up. Isaac emphasized that as business owners, especially in the deck building industry, it’s difficult to trust others with tasks, but it’s essential for growth.

“You can’t grow a business on your own,” Isaac said. “Whatever height you are, that’s where you’ll be. But with the right team, your business can grow much taller.”

April agreed, adding that finding and trusting the right people is what allowed her to step back and focus on growing the business, instead of being overwhelmed by daily tasks.

Building a Business with Family in Mind

For April and Isaac, their family has always been a central part of their business journey. Isaac pointed out that while building a business, it’s easy to get caught up in the grind and forget about the people who matter most. He stressed that maintaining strong family relationships is just as important as building the business itself.

He went on to explain, “People don’t see the complexity of raising a family while running a business. But it’s crucial to keep family life in mind—those are the people who will be there for you through it all.”

In April’s case, balancing business and family became even more crucial after having children. As the business grew, she had to shift her focus from just working hard to also making sure she had time for her kids and her husband.

The Role of Support Systems in Business Growth

Another key takeaway from their conversation was the importance of having a support system. Running a business, especially as a deck builder, can be a solo endeavor, but having a solid team—whether it’s your family or your business partners—makes all the difference.

Isaac shared, “Business owners, especially those who don’t have partners, can feel the weight of everything falling on their shoulders. But it’s so important to lean on those around you.”

For April, having Isaac as a sounding board was invaluable. The two of them have been able to support each other through tough decisions, personal challenges, and the stress that comes with running a business. In fact, it’s this mutual support that allowed April to thrive in her entrepreneurial journey.

The Takeaway: Letting Go and Embracing Support

In the end, both April and Isaac agree that success in business and life isn’t about doing it all yourself. Trusting others, whether it’s your team, your family, or business partners, is the key to balancing work and life.

As Isaac put it, “You can’t grow a business on your own. You need people to help, and you need to trust them. Give them the space to grow, and you’ll see your business—and your life—grow in ways you never imagined.”

Conclusion: Building a Life, Not Just a Business

Running a business while raising a family is not for the faint of heart. But for April and Isaac, the ability to step back, trust others, and find balance has been the secret to their success. They’ve learned that while hard work is important, so is being present with the people who matter most. And at the end of the day, it’s not just about building a business—it’s about building a life that supports your personal goals, your family, and your dreams.

Did this resonate with you? Let us know how you balance your business and personal life. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, consider seeking help through delegation and building a strong support system. It might just be the key to unlocking your business’s full potential.

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